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Martin gets day off; Gentry leads off, plays center

Martin gets day off; Gentry leads off, plays center

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Martin's tough catch 0:20

8/16/13: Leonys Martin runs back to make an excellent snag on Humberto Quinterto to prevent a potential extra-base hit

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Leonys Martin was out of the lineup Sunday even though the Mariners had a right-handed pitcher on the mound. Martin had played in 26 of 28 games since the All-Star break, so Rangers manager Ron Washington had Craig Gentry playing center field and batting leadoff.

"He just needed a day," Washington said. "He played the whole [10-game] road trip and he's played here. He just needs a day."

This is Martin's third season in professional baseball and he has already played more games than in his two previous seasons. Martin has played in 109 games this season after injuries limited him to 79 games last year at both the Major and Minor League level, and 81 in 2011.

"I have been working hard," Martin said. "My body feels perfect."

Martin was 1-for-11 with three strikeouts in his three previous games. Prior to that, he hit .299 with 10 runs scored and eight stolen bases in a 19-game stretch. Gentry was in the leadoff spot for the Rangers on Sunday for the first time this season.